After clinching the Olympic marathon title in Tokyo, Peres Jepchirchir has set her eyes on glory at the New York City Marathon on November 7.
Jepchirchir said she is a satisfied lady after achieving her targets for the year, which included competing at the Olympics and the world's largest marathon.
“I had prioritised the Olympic Games as well as New York City Marathon and all have come to pass. Tokyo was my first priority whereas New York was the second. My plan was to compete in New York if I had missed out on the marathon Olympics team,” Jepchirchir said.
Recalling her feat in Japan, the reigning Valencia Marathon champion admitted it was one of her most difficult races.
“I had only competed in two marathons (Saitama), where I made her debut and Valencia) but I had never felt the pain I felt after the race in Tokyo. I think it is because of the hot weather in Japan. It was a tough race but I have taken enough rest and I am ready for another challenge,” she said.
The two-time world half marathon champion expects New York to be no different considering that most of her competitors did not undergo the gruelling schedule like she did in Tokyo.
“I am ready for the challenge on the course even if I may have little time to prepare unlike my competitors who had quality time. Iam not scared at all,” she said.
Making her Olympic debut, Jepchirchir won gold after timing 2:27.20, ahead of compatriot, Brigid Kosgei (2:27.36) and the American Molly Seidel (2:27.46) in second and third respectively.
The former Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon champion still wants to break the women's marathon world record, currently held by Kosgei at 2:14.04.
In New York, she will be facing other Kenyans led by three-time Vienna City Marathon champion Nancy Kiprop and track mistress Viola Cheptoo Lagat.
